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Big-box retailers target of new Massachusetts policy

A final policy document issued October 19 requires any privately funded building in Massachusetts that will draw 3,000 vehicles per day to report and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The new policy will go into effect on October 31. The final policy reflects a sharp decrease in the number of vehicles previously contemplated as the trigger for reporting and mitigation requirements (10,000 vehicles per day), apparently in response to comments submitted by environmental groups arguing that the 10,000 vehicle per day standard would exclude "big-box" retail stores and centers. The policy was issued under the state's "little NEPA," the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, which applies to major construction projects involving government approval (such as an air quality or vehicular access permit) or funding. The requirement appears to make Massachusetts the first state to require private development projects to evaluate potential climate change impacts.

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